"if the FCC could fine Howard Stern for saying offensive things on the air, why don't they step in when right-wing pundits make outrageous and irresponsible claims?"

Don't know if anyone has addressed your question (haven't read the whole thread yet) but it is a great one. Unfortunately, the FCC is run by Republicans. Last I heard, Colin Powell's son was the chairman. Not to mention the enormous clout Clear Channel has in regard to radio broadcast (also run by right wing evangelicals).

The reason people freak out over Stern is because his talk is "dirty" because he jokes about sex and says "fuck". We are a died in the wool, repressed bunch of buckle-shoed Puritans in this country. Woe betide anyone who speaks about sex, or accidentally flashes a breast.

The right wing loves violence. It's their porn. That's why you see an enormous flood of killing, raping, murdering, bombing and attacking in our media. Not to mention the effect that this has on our society. (Compare our violence levels with that of Europe who generally is more adult about sexuality and doesn't tie it up in the extreme morality Americans do). Unfortunately, since Republicans are often the gatekeepers of this kind of media, that's what we get- massive fines for a flashed breast, and relentless cheerleading urging fellow citizens to kill each other for ideological reasons.

Not only is it due to our over-consumption of fast food, or eating meat at almost every meal (not necessary- anyone remember casseroles?) but also due to the fact that corn syrup is in almost every processed food, especially junk food. Corn syrup is worse for your body than natural sugar is, but don't expect its inclusion to change anytime soon- both big agribusiness and massive government subsidies ensure that we'll be force-fed this crap for years to come.

Obama's speech seems to be a case of trying to please everyone while solving nothing. The only solution to the absolute catastrophe of our healthcare system is a single payer system. Millions of Americans back this idea, they want this to happen, and they are itching for REAL reform. Apparently, our President has no interest in doing so.

When I read about Congress and Obama's current ideas about reforming and "fixing" healthcare, it seems like a Frankenstein monster of private insurers, Medicare, single-payer, HMO and the AMA. I can't imagine that further complicating the wreck of a system we have now will actually solve anything.

Obama states: "If we do not fix our health care system, America may go the way of GM; paying more, getting less, and going broke."

Sorry to break the news to you Mr. President, but this has ALREADY HAPPENED. I am one of over 40 MILLION Americans who have no health insurance. Others who have it are not fully covered. And even for those that do have insurance- the insurance companies will play every dirty trick in the book to deny coverage and refuse payment. How is this effective? It isn't.

The only way out of this mess is single-payer, government run insurance. Obama and our government seem absolutely tone-deaf on this issue. Obama wants us to be "investing more in preventive care" but denies millions this opportunity. The best preventative care is access to a doctor whenever it is needed- not worrying about going broke to get a check-up.

It is an absolute disgrace that the United States is the last western industrialized nation that uses a for-profit, ponzi scheme heath care system. The solution to our healthcare problems is not the boondoggle presented before us today, but single payer.

As a gay man, and a strong supporter of Obama during the primary season and through the eventual campaign, I've often wondered as of late where Obama truly stands on GLBT rights. He extended his hand to us during the campaign and made clear in his speeches and presentations that we were welcome.

So why is it that he has such strong reservations toward our legal equality, even with small gestures? He has the opportunity to overturn Dont Ask, Don't Tell and doesn't. Then, he backs DOMA using the same vile, fucked up equivocations that the whack job right wing uses.

I want his answer on this. I supported him, I gave money to his campaign and I convinced friends and family members to vote for him. Is he throwing us under the bus, or what?

I completely agree with you. I don't understand Obama's stubborn desire to be inclusive to Republicans who are hell bent on obstructing him and disagreeing with everything he says or does.

Obama was handed a gigantic political mandate in November, I wish he'd use it.

The reason that Obama is not getting involved in Iran's electoral outcome is because...wait for it...it's none of our business!!!

I know the Republicans are still used to the Bush years, where we went storming and stomping anywhere we wanted to and kicked in doors and made people do things our way, but we have a new President now. One that understands that bully politics don't make great inroads for international relationships.

Please, sit down, shut up, and let the adults handle this one. You people have fucked up enough stuff already.